Method of separating the pith and fiber of cornstalks



Patented Jan. 27, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT} OFFICE ELTON B. DARLING, OFDECATUR, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOIQBY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO

coRNs'rALxrnonUo'rs COMPANY, mo,

DELAWARE OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF METHOD OF SEPARATING THEPITH AND FIBER OI CORNSTALKS No Drawing.

This invention relates to a method of preliminary preparation ofcornstalks so that they may be treated to obtain a satisfactory pulpstock as a base material for making paper, and has especial reference tothe effective separation of the pith and the fiber always found in thisparticular plant structure.

While it has long been known that the cornstalk fiber is well adaptedfor the said,

purpose, and that it was essential to elimi nate thoroughly thecornstalk pith to obtain a finished paper free from hardness and anundesirable rattling sound, no effective means for obtaining thiselimination of the pith has heretofore been devised.

The method of this application, however, has been demonstrated to beefiicient, and will therefore make this agricultural waste productuseful in the paper making industry.

This method as applied to the matured cornstalk, such as remains in thefield after the corn is harvested, is as follows :the cornstalks aregiven a light beating in the presence of an air blast to remove the dustand dirt which adheres to the stalk. They are then passed into a silagecutter and cut into short lengths in accordance with the immediateconditions and circumstances. It has-been found that a three inch lengthworks well if there are no mechanical difficulties connected therewith.

After the cutting operation, the piecesof cornstalk ass on to atravelling, perforated conveyor belt, above which spray lines of waterare positioned. At intervals along the line of travel of the belt,kickers are employed to turn the cornstalk stock, so that it will bethoroughly washed.

From the wash belt the cornstalk stock is passed to a machine throughwhich a strong stream of water passes continuously, and in this machinethe cornstalk stock is reduced to a mass which is washed free from thepith which passes into a' cistern below, the fiber being carried forwardand collected in a separate container. 7

It will be obvious from the foregoing that a. fiber free from pith willbe obtained by this method, and that the same can be thereafterApplication filed June 5, 1928. Serial No. 283,142.

treated to obtain a pulp which can be used efiiciently in paper making.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byLetters Patent is i 1. The method of separating the fiber in maturedcornstalks from the pith therein, comprising the following steps;beating and cleansing the cornstalks; dividing the cornstalks intopredetermined lengths; convey.-

.ing the said stock under spray lines of water to a container;separating the pith in the said stock from the fiber; and conveying thesaid v fiber to a separate container.

2. The method of separating the fiber in matured cornstalks from thepith therein, comprising the following steps; beating and cleansing thecornstalks; dividing the cornstalks into predetermined lengths; washingand cleaning the cornstalk stock; reducing the said stock under watertreatment to a mass free from pith; and conveying the fiber and the pithto separate containers.

3. The method of separating the fiber in matured cornstalks from thepith therein, comprising the following steps; beating and cleansing thecornstalks; dividing the cornstalks into predetermined lengths;conveying the said stock under spray lines of water to a containerthrough which a stream of water passes continuously; and conveying thefiber and the pith to separate containers.

4. The method of separating the fiber in matured co-rnstalks from thepith therein, comprising the following steps; beating and cleansing thecornstalks; dividing the corn- ,stalks into predetermined lengths;conveying the said stock under spray lines of water to a container;separating the pith in the said stock from the fiber by a continuousstream of water passed through the said container and conveying thefiber and the pith to separate containers.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature.

' ELTON, R. DARLING.

